What is a böd?

In Shetland, a Böd was a building used to house fishermen and their gear during the fishing season. Today, we've borrowed the word to describe basic accommodation for those who want a simple holiday in our islands. Anyone familiar with English "camping barns" will have a good idea of what to expect.

The first camping Böds opened in l992 and more are planned to create a network throughout the Shetland Islands. The Böds are all in attractive localities and each has an interesting history. They are an ideal way of seeing Shetland on a budget and you can combine some nights in a Böd with a stay in youth hostel, bed and breakfast or a tent. Böds are very basic, some in remote areas having no electricity. Visitors will need to bring their own bedding, and for some locations their own eating and cooking utensils.

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Aithbank

Aithbank Böd

Fetlar is known as the “Garden of Shetland” and Aithbank boasts a wonderful location with sea views and a beach only a few metres away.

Betty Mouat's Bod

Betty Mouats Bod

The böd is next door to a recently excavated broch and handy for Shetland's main airport and the Fair Isle ferry.

Johnnie Notions

Johnnie Notions Böd

This böd offers cheap, self catering accommodation in a traditional building at the north-western tip of the Shetland Mainland.

Nesbister Bod

Nesbister Böd

The Böd of Nesbister is the only original fishing böd in the group.

Skeld bod

Skeld Böd

Situated in the thriving village of Skeld it sits right above the marina within a stones throw of the sea.

The Grieve House

The Grieve House

This böd offers economy, self catering accommodation in a traditional building on the island of Whalsay on the east coast of Shetland.

The Sail Loft

The Sail Loft

The largest of our böds stands between the tideline and a handy bakery, in an idyllic village setting at the head of a mini-fjord.

The Windhouse Lodge

The Windhouse Lodge

This is our best-equipped böd and a perfect base for touring the North Isles of Shetland.

Voe House

Voe House

Overlooking the picturesque village of Walls, Voe House is a fascinating building which has been carefully restored using recycled building materials.